Manchester United legend hails one of the best of all time following his death

Portugal legend Eusebio has died at the age of 71. The former Benfica striker reportedly suffered a heart attack, and players and fans have been quick to pay their respects for a man who was one of the very best players of all time.

While 1966 is ingrained in every English football fan’s consciousness for one reason, it is remembered among Portugal fans as a showcase for Eusebio’s considerable talents, for a tournament in which he scored nine goals.

In total, he scored 733 times in 745 matches.

Former Manchester United player and current Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo has paid his own tribute to a man who would have played a huge role in his own footballing education.

Vincent Ralph

After graduating with a degree in English Literature, Vincent completed a NCTJ-accredited qualification in newspaper and magazine journalism in 2005. Shortly after, in a somewhat leftfield move, he began working at a secondary school in Kent. After eight years – the last four of which were spent as Head of Sixth Form – he began to write full-time, combining his love of football with his passion for the written word.Alongside his work for HITC Sport, he also writes film reviews for HITC Lifestyle… along with the odd music interview when fate allows.